Herbs That Decrease Libido

Herbal medicine has become very popular among those who are tired of constantly taking prescription medication made in a lab. The feeling that herbal supplements are safer and better for you may be the reasoning behind this increase in herbal popularity.

Chasteberry

Simply put, our libido is our sex drive. There are supplements on the market today that claim to increase libido in both males and females, but there are also supplements that can decrease sex drive. According to Dr. Beatrix Roemheld-Hamm of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, chasteberry has been used for years for the treatment of certain gynecological conditions and breast health issues. However, in men, it is said to decrease libido by decreasing prolactin levels when administered in small doses. In the days of old, chasteberry was used by clergymen who had taken an oath of celibacy, to keep sexual urges to a minimum. Dr. Roemheld-Hamm states that not enough clinical evidence is available to prove that chasteberry does or does not decrease libido, despite reports by patients that it does.

Hops and Valerian

Hops is an additive to beer that gives it its bitter flavor but can aid in more than just intoxication. Hops can cause vaginal dryness in women. In men, hops makes it very difficult to maintain an erection. Valerian is used to calm the nervous system in the event of pain and aid in sleep. It also has been used to treat symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, but has been reported to lower libido in women. There is currently no scientific information to back this claim, but it has been reported by users of valerian that they have experienced decreased sex drive while using this herbal remedy.

Rehmannia, Ligistrum and Skullcap

Rehmannia is a Chinese herb that is used in people with extremely high libido. In the same family is ligistrum, which is also a libido suppresant. Both herbs work on the nervous system to make arousal more difficult for the patient. Skullcap also works on the nervous system, but it also lowers blood pressure, making erections difficult to obtain and maintain in men.

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Sharin Griffin has been a freelance writer since 2009, specializing in health-related articles. She has worked in the health-care industry as a certified nursing assistant and medical technician. Griffin's medical expertise encompasses bariatrics and geriatric care, with an emphasis on general medicine. She is completing an associate degree in health-care administration from Axia University.